研究进展
Effects of Gamma Irradiation on Corundum: Towards a Potential Detection Method
Corundum, encompassing the highly prized ruby and sapphire varieties, stands as a cornerstone of the global gemstone market.
HFSE-enriched sapphires of gem quality: A combined FTIR and trace element study and implications for heat treatment detection
Gem-quality sapphires containing ‘exotic’ elements such as Sn, Nb, Zr, Ta, W, are of special interest in gemmological research, as the concentration of these so-called high-field- strength-element
Species Identification of Coral Jewellery by Genetic Testing: Case Studies, Experiences and Prospects
This article reviews and details how DNA testing can be used to identify species of precious coral used in jewellery. Since certain species are listed by CITES (Convention on Inter- national Trade in
Väyrynenite of Exceptional Quality and Size, Reportedly from Nigeria
Väyrynenite is an attractive and rare phosphate minera […]
Species Identification of Coral Jewellery by Genetic Testing: Case Studies, Experiences and Prospects
This article reviews and details how DNA testing can be […]
News from the SSEF (2025)
Presentation by Dr Laurent E. Cartier & Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki at the Swiss Gemmological Society SGG conference in 2025.
Genetic Testing of a High-End ‘Angel Skin’ Precious Coral Necklace Identifies a Species New to the Precious Coral
Genetic Testing of a High-End ‘Angel Skin’ Precious Cor […]
Synthetic coloured stones (2025)
Presentation by Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki at the 2025 GILC conference in Tucson in February 2025.
Trace DNA from a century‐old holotype specimen resolves taxonomic uncertainties: the case of the Hawaiian pink precious coral
Trace DNA from a century‐old holotype specimen resolves taxonomic uncertainties: the case of the Hawaiian pink precious coral (Pleurocorallium secundum), a CITES‐listed species used in jewelry.
The age of gems (2025)
Presentation by Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki at the 2025 AGA conference in Tucson in February 2025.
Gemmological Characterisation of Emeralds from Musakashi, Zambia, and Implications for Their Geographic Origin Determination
Gemmological Characterisation of Emeralds from Musakash […]
Afghanite of Exceptional Size and Quality from Badakhshan, Afghanistan
Afghanite of Exceptional Size and Quality from Badakhsh […]
Age dating of gemstones, pearls and corals (2024)
Presentation by Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki at the 2024 Gem-A conference in London in November 2024.
SSEF News with a Focus on Antique Gems and Jewellery (2024)
Presentation by Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki at the Swiss Gemmological Society SGG meeting in June 2024.
Low-temperature heating of corundum: possibilities and challenges for detection
Heat treatment is generally applied to gemstones to change and enhance their colour. Over the past few decades, it has become a very common practice for certain gem species, such as aquamarine, amethy
Unravelling the secrets of antique jewellery
Testing of antique jewellery at SSEF may provide insights which go far beyond simple gem testing. They add valuable information to the jewel, starting from its design and craftsmanship in the making,
Vanadium chrysoberyl
Vanadium as a colouring element is quite often underestimated, mostly as it is often associated and acting together with chromium, a chemical element with a similar geochemical behavior and parageneti
The colour range of Paraiba tourmalines
Paraiba tourmalines owe their attractive colour to the presence of copper. In the best case, this gives rise to a vivid blue colour, also known in the trade as ‘neon’ blue or ‘electric’ blue a